I'm on a fixed income and, with that in mind, I'd like to set up a 'home theater.' I put that in quotes because said theater would consist of the speaker system; my Mini 1.42/512 MB RAM; and my recently-purchased Dell 2005FPW. I don't want to go the 'home-theater-in-a-box' route, if possible, and going wireless would end up costing a fortune in batteries. So, could anyone recommend a sub-$200 home theater speaker solution for me (THX-certified surround-sound, if possible)? If it helps, my apartment is 300-400 square feet in size.

The mini can't pass 5.1 audio on its own. You need a ~$100 device for just that. On your budget, I'd suggest a solid 2.1 computer speaker system. I like my old Yamaha set, which was sadly discontinued. Head to a local computer store that has lots of computer speakers set up and test them out. I don't know that THX-surround can be had with the mini for that price.

Thanks, druber. I'm leaning toward the JBL Creature II's or JBL Invaders, but it seems there are many 5.1 options (Logitech, Creative Labs, Altec Lansing, etc.) in my price range, based on what I see in the 'User Setup' gallery on this site.

Thanks, druber. I'm leaning toward the JBL Creature II's or JBL Invaders, but it seems there are many 5.1 options (Logitech, Creative Labs, Altec Lansing, etc.) in my price range, based on what I see in the 'User Setup' gallery on this site.

Thanks again for your suggestion.

Someone on this site is selling their Creature II's for $40 + shipping. Check out the classified section. It was part of an entire system.

Mini-Owl, surround sound is not possible without an extra USB device to decode and output a surround-sound signal. Plugging a THX-certified 5.1 speaker set into a Mac mini won't give surround sound. Simple as that.

To get surround sound, you need a device like M-Audio's Sonica Theater, which costs $100. If surround sound is really important, save up for this and check out reviews by folks who have it--see what speaker systems work well with this. If not, get whatever 2.0 or 2.1 system sounds best to you. There's no review of speakers that will give you better information than listening to them yourself. What one person finds very satisfying, another person finds unlistenable.

I believe the best you can get would be Dolby Surround Pro-Logic.
Thats the equivalent of what the GameCube can do since it does not have an optical output.
HTiB is prob the best overall bet, but the USB dongle is prob. what you are looking for.
Enjoy! _________________20" iMac G5 2.0

I found this place via the Apple Website, seems like a nice place to learn all about the MacMini!

I wondered whether anyone knows if the New MacMini changes anything about the pass through of Digital Optical Signals?

I am basically wondering about using a MacMini as a replacement for my Pioneer Integrated Amp/DVD Player. I intend to couple the Mini with a set of 5.1 powered speakers (Creative or something), hook up my Set Top Box Digital optical to the line in and the speakers to the optical line out.

Anyone know, would this work, does the DD5.1 signal get passed out from (a) DVD (b) from the line in.

It would be a real shame to end up with only stereo.

In any case, I'm not going to buy right now, but if nothing better appears in April then this is a route I might take.